制霸好莱坞

For most people, Hollywood's stars—whether gifted with profound talent or just enough charm—serve as prime evening entertainment. Decades of nonstop media bombardment have turned celebrity gossip into a lighthearted pastime. Unless an ethical scandal erupts, hardly anyone chooses a side. Yet, curiosity always lingers: like office rumors, even if you don't pick a favorite, you can't help but wonder what's really going on.

Renee Zellweger has long been in the limelight. With memorable performances in films such as Bridget Jones's Diary, Nurse Betty, and Jerry Maguire, she has earned a reputation for her solid acting and approachable warmth. But now a new and enigmatic star has burst onto the scene. Debuting with a bold claim—"Our Roxie is better"—this newcomer, Jennifer Jefferson, announced her intention to upstage Renee. Naturally, when people first heard the news, many sided with Renee; after all, her films were familiar and beloved.

Media outlets, always on the lookout for a fresh angle, quickly turned their attention to Jennifer. In today's news landscape, stories often fall into two categories: those steered by editorial agendas and those driven by public curiosity. When the public's interest is at stake, nothing stops newspapers or gossip magazines from going all out—regardless of film companies' or PR teams' attempts to control the narrative.

Almost overnight, headlines featuring Renee and Jennifer dominated the gossip pages. Renee's profile was detailed with her résumé, love history, and even candid street photos showing her with her boyfriend. Meanwhile, Jennifer was portrayed in contrasting lights. Some outlets described her as a self-made talent emerging from humble beginnings—a modern-day Cinderella story. Others, however, were more critical, dismissing her as "just a blonde beauty" rumored to have dated the Hilton heir, and labeling her a scheming gold-digger.

Yet despite a high-profile publicity strategy, Jennifer's private life remained enigmatic. Most of the available candid shots showed her in a similar, understated manner. Whether dressed casually or in designer pieces, she consistently exuded a quiet, refined temperament. Rarely seen with an overly animated expression, Jennifer's calm demeanor seemed at odds with the dramatic headlines.

That all changed when a set of leaked photos—apparently snapped by an insider—began circulating. One high-quality image showed Jennifer boarding a private jet to Los Angeles for the premiere of Chicago. In the photo, she wore a short camel-colored Burberry trench coat over a crisp white shirt, paired with gray wide-leg pants, red flat shoes, and a small Bottega Veneta handbag. Her makeup was light and natural. With a small entourage of bodyguards in tow, she walked calmly down the jet's gangway into a waiting limousine.

Even supporters of Renee had to admit that, in terms of style, Jennifer possessed a striking presence. Renee, never celebrated for her looks, had always relied on her warmth and talent. Jennifer, on the other hand, was suddenly seen as a potential icon. Though her features were somewhat sharp and assertive, her choice of understated, elegant clothing left the media with plenty to debate. Had she opted for a more provocative look—a leopard print skirt, heavy makeup, or bold accessories—she could have easily been typecast as a sexy bombshell or an opportunistic gold-digger. Instead, her refined style hinted at "old money" sensibilities, something almost miraculous given her humble origins.

Fashion columnist Amy Spell captured this duality perfectly in her weekly column:

"Jennifer Jefferson is simply the epitome of the Upper East Side. In her widely circulated airport candid, she pairs a classic Burberry trench coat with a spring-summer Bottega Veneta handbag. Her ensemble—complete with a timeless white shirt, chic wide-leg pants, and modest flats from Steve Madden—speaks of a pragmatic, refined fashion sense. This isn't the garish luxury of a typical celebrity; it's the understated elegance of a well-heeled upper-middle-class woman. Her style suggests that, despite her background, she has long belonged among the elite."

Jennifer's appearance at the Los Angeles premiere of Chicago only further solidified her reputation. Her Valentino rhinestone dress was met with praise for its "exquisite, fashionable softness," while Renee's attire was criticized as ill-suited and even aging. In the ruthless world of red-carpet fashion, even Oscar-winning actresses can find themselves on the "worst dressed" list if they stray from expectations.

Back in the bustling world of online forums, veteran user June—leader of a popular Yahoo group—found herself inundated with inquiries. Fans clamored for details: the exact model of Jennifer's DKNY pants, the source of her designer pieces, and, naturally, more about her mysterious background. In one discussion thread, moderator Jon even had to trim down repetitive posts and direct readers to Jennifer Jefferson's FAQ to keep the conversation on track.

Over a video call, Judy—an influential media liaison—announced, "Your IMDb ranking has surged into the top 30. On ONTD, your article has already gathered about 40 comments—remarkable for a supporting role. Most of these comments aren't about your rivalry with Renee; they're focused on your work, background, and style. This is fantastic exposure. If we make it to the Oscars, Valentino will surely lend us another stunning dress."

While movie premieres typically see celebrities in light, breezy dresses rather than heavy evening gowns, Judy's quick thinking had secured a chic alternative for Jenny. "Are we going to the Oscars?" Jenny asked, even as Mary packed her luggage nearby. "We just flew from Los Angeles to New York, and tomorrow we begin our final month of performances this year."

"It hasn't been decided yet," Judy replied. "It depends on the nominations for Chicago and the wishes of Harvey and Rob. But if we're invited, it will be a brilliant exposure opportunity—and one that even Disney would appreciate."

Both producers of Chicago were excited by the buzz. Pre-sale inquiries and early reviews painted an optimistic picture. With the Weinstein Company ramping up nomination efforts and theaters reporting strong attendance numbers, the film's future looked bright. Meanwhile, Disney, with its own sophisticated publicity strategies, welcomed any chance for extra exposure. In a previous meeting, Judy even mentioned that Disney was considering an Oscar role for Jennifer—ensuring that, even if she missed out on Chicago, her star would continue to rise.

"What about Renee's side?" Jenny inquired.

"Renee's PR is keeping her tightly leashed," Judy explained with a smile. "Even if she wants to speak up, her team will ensure she stays silent. For them, any comment would only fuel this fire—and that benefits you." Jenny understood perfectly. By letting Renee remain silent, the media drama stayed centered on her. Meanwhile, the carefully orchestrated "candid" shots—planned by Cesare and Judy—continued to generate global buzz, attracting new fans and steadily building her reputation.

In this delicate dance, the more heated Renee's team became, the more it inadvertently boosted Jenny's exposure. And Jenny, for her part, had said little about the unfolding drama. Industry figures like Harvey Weinstein praised the healthy competition between the two stars, and director James Schubert quietly distanced himself from comparisons. The slogan "Our Roxie is better" was simply meant to signal that Jennifer's performance had evolved—and, for many, that was enough.

Shifting gears, Jenny asked, "Should I continue dodging the paparazzi?"Judy replied, "Do your best. When you're out, dress appropriately. If you're ever in doubt, snap a photo and send it to Julian for his expert opinion."Julian—a renowned stylist known for his impeccable taste—had generously offered his guidance during Jenny's New York stint. Though his services typically came at a high price, his current support was a trial run. Later, if Jenny wished to continue benefiting from his expertise in Los Angeles, she'd have to pay accordingly.

Jenny's finances, however, were a constant source of anxiety. Despite recently receiving a 300,000-yuan paycheck, the 1.5 million yuan owed to her would trickle in over the next year and a half. Paradoxically, although her popularity soared, her bank balance was thinning. The need to invest in high-quality wardrobe pieces was undeniable. After all, a star's image depends as much on what they wear as on how they perform. Clinging to outdated styles wasn't an option—even if it meant tightening her budget and limiting outings. "I'll cut back on going out," she mused, "or at least just wrap a scarf when I do. It's already pretty cold in New York."

"All that matters is that nothing looks off in the photos," Judy agreed. "Cesare, are the box office numbers in yet?"

It was the first day of Chicago's release. Although Jenny wasn't directly responsible for the box office, she kept a close eye on the numbers. "Not bad," Cesare said simply. "Even though it opened in only 77 theaters, it grossed over a million dollars on its first day—an average of 26,000 per theater. Attendance is high, and we're expecting a surge in ratings on IMDb. If the trend continues, the future looks very promising."

Art films rarely receive a wide release from the start—they expand gradually based on performance. "This is a very good beginning," Judy observed. "I hope Pirates of the Caribbean follows a similar trajectory."

Cesare added, "I just heard that Roger Albert will attend your comeback debut the day after tomorrow. This is a fantastic opportunity—Roger's presence could stir up another wave of buzz. I'll arrange for our latest street shots from LA to be released in time."Judy quickly responded, "Josh's team contacted me yesterday, and even Jerry from Disney is on board with the plan. What's our first move?"Cesare replied, "Let's have Josh and a few crew members attend the revival performance. If we can stage it at the same event where Roger appears, the paparazzi might capture candid shots of him as well.""Excellent," Cesare added. "Jenny, remember to keep it low-key. Right now, you're just friends—avoid any overt displays of intimacy."

"Understood," Jenny said, a mix of relief and nervous anticipation in her voice. Despite her preparations, a strange feeling lingered as the plan moved forward.

After the video call ended, Jenny moved to the window. Mary joined her, quietly drawing the blinds a bit. "There are two paparazzi outside," Mary whispered. "I pulled the blinds as soon as I got back—this building isn't very tall, so we wouldn't want them catching an unflattering angle.""Good thinking, Mary," Jenny replied.After months of working together, the two had grown close. Mary, with genuine curiosity, asked, "Does this mean Mr. Vigeri brought bad news? Are the box office numbers disappointing?"Jenny shook her head, frowning as she searched for the source of her unease. "No—the numbers are good. It's just that these constant paparazzi make me feel more and more distant from ordinary life."Mary smiled wistfully. "Jenny, you're on your way to becoming a huge star. One day, you'll live the kind of life I only dream about."Jenny glanced down at the patient figures outside, then allowed herself a soft smile.

Author's Note:

Brand Notes: Burberry and Bottega Veneta are first-tier luxury brands, while DKNY, Steve Madden, and CK Jeans are more accessible to the public. (Also, note that CK and CKJ differ—CK represents high-end fashion, while CKJ is geared toward everyday style.)

Popularity Rankings: ONTD's IMDb rankings incorporate recent popularity and search trends. That Jenny has soared into the top 30—even with just a five-minute supporting role—speaks volumes about her rising star power.